The rule that you can’t begin a sentence with the word “And” was drummed into my head by elementary school teachers and my mother from the time I could write. “Everyone” knew that was wrong, wrong, wrong. For years, I wouldn’t begin a sentence with “And,” took the word out of every article I edited, and figured writers who used “And” just didn’t know any better.
Then, an editor or workshop leader (probably from my fiction days, although I don’t recall) said it was okay to sometimes begin a sentence with “And.” It’s a rule, like split infinitives, that it’s okay to break.
I went “And-wild.” I connected two ideas with and the way someone might use an m-dash or semi-colon. I used it to hammer home points. I used it to emphasize the last item in a series. I was an “And” maniac.
Then I read Ken Rand’s “Ten Percent Solution.” “And” is on his list of words you should delete from your writing to make it leaner, toward your goal of cutting 10 % of every article.
What?! No more “And”?
When I first learned Rand’s editing method, I followed it to the letter, so I cut every “And” from my stories. You know what? My writing was stronger. I didn’t need the “And” in most cases. I still like a good, powerful “And” in copywriting but, like many other connectors, for the most part it’s unnecessary.
Also, Additionally…
Without “And,” I started searching for other connectors. I realized most of the time, you don’t need them.
Lately I’ve been on an “Additionally” kick, which should be deleted, according to Rand, because it ends in -ly. (In his book, he advises writers to use your word processor’s “search” function to ferret out an entire list of words; the results when you search for “ly” might amaze you.)
Sometimes, we need a good connector. Other times, words like “Also,” and “Additionally” to begin a sentence are just unnecessary. The reader can figure out you’re adding another point to your original statement.
If you have two, three or more related ideas that may need to be connected with transition words such as “also” or “additionally,” you might consider using a numbered or bulleted list, instead. When readers see bullet points, they know the points are related or building on each other. This is most effective in Web writing, creating concise posts and articles that are easy on the eyes.
Is “And” Arrogant?
Ken Rand’s point about beginning a sentence with “And” is that it can sound arrogant. I always picture someone, finger in the air, pontificating: “And furthermore…” I think this depends largely on the tone of the article — if the article sounds arrogant, “And” makes it more so.
But one point, I think, is clear: You don’t always need “And.” It’s definitely a word your writing can do without.
What do you think? Do you ever start sentences with “And”? When does it work and when is it just “fat”?
Oh, I am guilty, guilty, guilty of all of the above. You’re right – starting a sentence with “and” is usually not necessary. But actually, I think it can be very effective in creative writing (fiction or non), particularly when you want to drive home a point (I’m thinking of Robert Frost’s”And that made all the difference.”) The danger is in overusing it.
Nice post. It’s a good reminder.
.-= Barbara´s last blog ..3 Online Tools that an Expat Freelancer Needs =-.
I too was taught not to start a sentence with “And.” I’m mostly a creative writer, and break the “And” rule every now AND then, but try not to. I do feel like it’s a bit of a black mark on my writing when I do, but try to keep it to a bare minimum. I think I’ll check out Ken Rand, as I could always some pointers with the structure of my writing.
.-= Brendan Thatcher´s last blog ..Children of Men =-.
When I started reading this post, I agreed with you wholeheartedly that you become accustomed to not starting a sentence with ‘and’.
Then I read a bit further and got excited that I could maybe used the word to start a sentence.
I finished the article and initially felt a little disappointed that it wasn’t acceptable, or necessary, to use ‘and’ to start a sentence.
I went away and used it to start a few sentences with in a project I’m working on at the minute…but it just didn’t feel right. I don’t whether it’s one of those things that you really do just get used to doing (or not doing in this case) or if it really just doesn’t seem right, but I don’t think I’ll personally use it.
It’s good to know that people generally won’t frown on you for using it, though – I always thought it was practically illegal if you started a sentence with ‘and’!
.-= Dan Smith´s last blog ..Interview With A Blogger – Tamahome Jenkins =-.
Dan,
It sounds like you went through the same process I went through over YEARS in a few minutes! LOL
I really do believe it’s something you grow accustomed to doing (or not, as the case may be). I still do it naturally and have to ferret out some of the “Ands” in the editing process. It doesn’t sound as horrible as it used to, to me… But most times, it’s just not needed.
Like Barbara, I agree a good “And” has its place — mostly in fiction and copywriting. But (Dan) if you’re not used to doing it, there’s no good reason to add it to your word repertoire.
Yes, I’m an “And,” girl. I take full responsibility for this misuse of the English language, but it works for me and has become part of my style. I don’t overuse — no more than once per story. And, I think I’ll keep doing it!
Marcia
.-= Marcia Frost´s last blog ..Minimus is a perfect partner on the road =-.
Marcia,
Do you ever find yourself having to cut extraneous “Ands?” When I go through a story and am completely honest with myself, for everyone one per story I keep, two good easily go. 
You’ve indicated perfectly appropriate use of the word. One per story is a pretty good guideline, in fact.
Yes, I definitely write more than I keep. After years of working as an editor, I will go through my stories and edit a few times before I consider the story complete.
Marcia
.-= Marcia Frost´s last blog ..Minimus is a perfect partner on the road =-.
Like so many other folks, I was taught not to start
a sentence with “And.” Then, several years ago, the
NY Times started doing just that. I thought it was
the beginning of the end of civilization.
In her book “Words Fail Me,” Patricia T. O’Connor says
it’s perfectly OK to begin a sentence with “And.”
Oy.
Like you, Dawn, I think the occasional “And” is OK.
It’s a powerful sentence-starter in copywriting.
However, I think the NY Times should cease AND
desist from “And.”
Oops–I meant to write “However, I think the NY Times should
cease AND desist from using “And.”
I try so hard to not use “and”. I feel that when I accidently use it, I make my self sound as if I don’t know my material. As if I forgot to mention something.
Load of hooey. Both are perfectly useable words. Chaucer uses them. Shakespeare and Milton, too. Are they not good models? Or should we just follow a style manual’s sophomoric advice? And that’s about all I have to say on the subject.